Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

6 Natural Solutions to Conquer Constipation

Kristin McGee
Author:
December 13, 2012
Kristin McGee
Registered Yoga Teacher and Personal Trainer
By Kristin McGee
Registered Yoga Teacher and Personal Trainer
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga + pilates instructor and ACE certified personal trainer. She has been featured in over 100 yoga and pilates videos and graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
December 13, 2012

Between holiday travel, stress, nerves, having to use the relative’s restrooms, and eating more food than usual, it’s not uncommon to get a little backed up this time of year!

Before you reach for an unhealthy laxative, try some of these gentler approaches first and see if one can help relieve your holiday distress.

1. Twists

Yoga twists are known digestive aids. Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you, hug one knee in to your chest and press the opposite elbow outside the knee. Inhale lift out of your lower back and sit tall, exhale twist deeper in the direction of your bent knee. You can also do this lying on your back.

2. Belly Roll

A great yoga remedy I learned years ago on a yoga retreat with Nevine Michaan in Belize. Many of us were having problems getting our bowels moving and she showed us how to use a yoga blanket (you can also use a towel) to speed things up down below. Here’s a video to show you how.

3. Essential Oil

Essential oils can help with so many things, including digestion. One of my favorite brands, 21 Drops, makes a specific oil called DIGEST which contains cardamon, ginger and sweet orange to help your digestive system get back on track. Rub a little on your palms and belly as often as you need. It's the perfect little lipstick size roller to stash with you and travel with.

4. Get Moving

Active Sun Salutations that include jump backs, jumping jacks, a light jog will all get the digestive system going. When you feel a bit backed up, you may not feel like moving too much, but it’s one of the best ways to help things get through our body.

5. RELAX

When we are all bound up and stressed, it leads to constipation. One of the easiest ways to get things moving again, is to let go! Sit and watch your breath for 5 to 10 minutes as you envision yourself in your favorite soothing environment. Calm your mind and let your bowels follow suit.

6. Natural Calm

If you really feel you just need a little help, try a teaspoon of Natural Calm before you go to bed. Calm is an all natural Magnesium supplement that comes in a powder form and tastes great. Add some warm water to it to create a fizzy tasty (my favorite flavor is the raspberry lemon) beverage before bedtime, it works like magic every time.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Mindfulness
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.